In the high-stakes world of professional cycling, even the most trusted allies can find themselves on the sidelines. This is exactly what’s happening to Mikkel Bjerg, Tadej Pogacar’s former right-hand man, who now feels his importance waning within UAE Team Emirates - XRG. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Bjerg isn’t bitter—he’s refreshingly candid about the shift in his role and the team’s evolution at the pinnacle of the sport.
In a recent conversation with Feltet, Bjerg openly acknowledged that his once-central position alongside Pogacar has gradually faded. “The team is of a slightly different calibre now,” he admitted, reflecting on how the internal dynamics have changed as UAE Team Emirates has strengthened its roster. Bjerg, a near-constant presence during Pogacar’s early Tour de France dominance, has found himself increasingly sidelined from the team’s biggest objectives, including repeated omissions from the Tour de France squad.
And this is the part most people miss: Bjerg doesn’t point fingers or harbor resentment. Instead, he takes responsibility for his own performance, admitting that he struggled to meet expectations during his first Tour de France. “I wasn’t the best domestique in the entire peloton in my first Tour de France. It would have been perfect if I had been from the start,” he explained. This self-awareness is rare in a sport where egos often clash, and it highlights Bjerg’s maturity in the face of adversity.
Despite his reduced role, Bjerg is quick to praise the new riders who have stepped up, like Nils Politt, whom he describes as “incredibly good.” For Bjerg, the situation isn’t about personal failure but a reflection of the team’s growth as the dominant force in men’s road racing. “Everyone is just riding incredibly strongly,” he noted, emphasizing that the team’s success is a collective effort rather than an individual’s downfall.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Bjerg’s bond with Pogacar remains strong—forged through countless hours in Grand Tour environments—Pogacar’s expanding circle within the team has, in many ways, strengthened the collective. “I think there are many who are thinking, ‘I know him really well. I would go to war for him,’” Bjerg observed. This raises a thought-provoking question: Is it better for a team to rely on a tight-knit core or to foster a broader network of loyal riders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As Bjerg’s position within UAE Team Emirates - XRG continues to evolve, his words reveal a rider who understands the realities of success at the highest level—even when it comes at personal cost. His story serves as a reminder that in the world of professional cycling, roles may change, but the bonds formed through shared struggles endure. So, what do you think? Is Bjerg’s situation a natural part of a team’s evolution, or is there more to the story? Share your take below!
